Pro-Ranil Suspects Released In Matara; No-Show Herman Off To Singapore Soon
October 21, 2013
A second attempt to hold an identification parade for the suspects in the UNP’s Matara clashes of October 5 failed today, and one of the plaintiffs who has also been remanded Malinga Herman Gunaratne was absent in court for the second consecutive court date.
Herman
Matara Magistrate Ruwan Sisira Kumara released 51 suspects on bail, including 32 suspects who were remanded following the violence earlier today. The Magistrate noted that Herman Guneratne’s cause for absence could not be accepted and that there was no reason to continue to hold some suspects in remand.
Guneratne who was arrested for firing a personal weapon into the crowd during the clash involving pro-Ranil and anti-Ranil factions of the UNP is currently at the Merchant Ward of the Colombo National Hospital. He was remanded by police on 5 October after at least three people received gunshot injuries.
Colombo Telegraph reliably learns that Guneratne is soon to be flown to Singapore to receive treatment there. It is unclear what his injuries are. Herman Guneratne is the father of ex UNP member and Provincial Councillor Attorney at Law Maithri Guneratne. Maithri Guneratne is a member of the radical anti-Ranil Wickremesinghe faction within the UNP and was recently expelled for his involvement in attacking Sirikotha following the leadership elections in December 2011.
The Colombo Telegraph has been unable to reach Herman Guneratne or Maithri Guneratne for comment.
